1/24/08

A delightful dozen: Morris to step down after three terms
By Cathy Gilbert

CATHY GILBERT/Manning Times

The Honorable Barney Lee Morris, seated, confers with her Associate Probate Judge Kathy Geddings. Morris will retire at the end of this year after serving 12 years.

She has issued more than 2,200 marriage licenses and performed scores of marriages.
She has stood with families as they were dealing with the loss of a loved one and helped them sort out the myriad of details that handling an estate might entail. And occasionally, she has had to help a family whose loved one was suffering from mental illness and guide them through the emotionally wrenching process of having them committed.

But the Honorable Barney Lee Morris knew what she was getting into when she took on the role of Probate Judge in 1996 and she hasn’t regretted a moment of it.

“I was a young widow and a single mother,” she said. “I knew what it was like to try and handle a loved one’s affairs after they died. I knew I could compassionately serve these and other people.”

The Probate Judge’s main responsibility is the determination of the validity of wills, enforcement of the provisions of valid wills and supervision of the equitable distribution of the assets of persons who die without a valid will. Probate judges may also deal with conservatorships, guardianships and marriages.

“It’s a full time job,” Morris said with a smile. “And I have loved every minute of it.”

At her side has been her deputy, Associate Probate Judge Kathy Geddings, who has served under three judges, Judge Julian Weinberg, Judge Ralph Cothran and now, Morris.

“I knew I had some huge shoes to fill when I took office,” Morris said. “Knowing Kathy was there made the task certainly less daunting. With 23 years of experience, she was my right hand and a blessing to me for sure.”

The two women run their offices with a quiet calm and comforting efficiency.

Morris has been and will remain an active member of the Clarendon community.

She has served as a member of the board for the Clarendon County Development Board since 1996. She is a board member of the Clarendon County Mental Health Board, a member of the Turbeville Ruritan, the Turbeville American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the Turbeville Southern Methodist Church. She is also a member of the S.C. Probate Judges Association.

As she surveys her small office in the basement of the county courthouse, Morris becomes a bit wistful.

“This office is very sentimental for me,” she notes. “This used to be the sheriff’s department many years ago when my husband (the late H. Bethea Morris) was a deputy. I remember seeing him here at work.”

Morris will retire at the end of 2008 when a new Probate Judge is sworn in. She says she plans to travel and spend time with her family. But no matter where she goes or what she does, she will take the love and respect of the many friends she has made and citizens she has assisted with her.